LP sound - Matisse conductor

I have always wanted to achieve LP sound using the CD players for my system and one of my friend recommended me to use the Matisse Conductor.

Acording to Matiise: "The original purpose for designing the Conductor was to provide isolated grounds for HiFi equipment. Isolated grounding systems are important because conventional earth from the wall outlet is very heavily contaminated by interference generated by electrical appliances. A looping effect may also occur when all equipment in a system are sharing the same earth. The Conductor is a passive unit with a circuit that functions to greatly reduce the interference from ultra high frequency noise generated from all digital equipment (i.e.CD players, CD Transport, D/A Converters etc.)".

Please visit: http://www.paulsen.co.uk/rod/matissecon.html

After using the Conductor for a period, I can hear that the sound stage became clearer and quieter.

Really amazing..Science and hifi as the Conductor was designed by Matisse and based on research of an American physicist working for the U.S. Military.

Hifi scene in Hong Kong

I was reading through the few threads in Review 33 and I can't help but realise that there are many small little groups existing in the forum. Some of the group exert more peer pressures then others, while some are more informative and liberal then others.

There are also audiophiles with motives of promoting certain amplifiers and tubes. There are instances also when quarrel and disgreement occurred thereby affecting the mood of the forum.

In the past, I have been very active in the forum. However, recently, I have been more "selective" in choosing the threads to participate to avoid stepping into the foot of certain members with "vested interest".

In term of the vintage hifi shopes, competition from ebay has made it very tough for business as well. Having travelled to the Greater China region ( Taiwan, China, Hong Kong) and South East Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei, Indonesia and Cambodia), Hong Kong has one of the largest collection and availability of vintage amplifiers. Even then, many shop keepers have feedback that buisness is only 30-40% compared to 5 years ago. Now, most of the attention is on the China market as the mainland Chinese ( the high income group) has most of the disposables income on vintage hifi. Moreover, with the MP3 and the mobile phone with MP3 function and many computer related internet based activities and multi media, the traditional "hifi" hobby is walking towards the sunset industry...unless the whole industry could attract teh attention of adult under 30 years of age into the hobby. Looking at the last Hifi show, nearly 80% of the peolple are age 35 years and above and the trend seems unlikely..

To make matter most, many of the shop keepers are not customer oriented and with a certain " attitude"! It is also real difficult to find a real Sifu for Hifi repair in HKG. Thus, my approach is to find full time Sifu who charges according to the level of work rather then depending on those who need you to beg or please in order to help.

Hifi as a hobby should be simple: enjoyment of music and fellow audiophiles should be friendly as a result of sharing of common hobby. However, the reality are far from that. Competition and hidden agenda seems to be quite rampant though.

Perhaps, one should just turn on the hifi and let music take away the stress and worry of the day. I have been listening to my WE 755a these few nights and I must agree that it is not the best speakers in the world as it lacks high and base musics. However, when coming to the mid and vocal part of the music, it is the Champion!

When I take a glance at all my CDs, almost 80% consist of vocal musics while the remaining 15% on light instruments and 5% on Orchestra music. Given such a ratio, I believe I have made the right decision to buy the Western Electric 755a. In addition to the vocal, the violin reproducton is so real that it makes 755a such a lovely pair of speakers to own..

Yamamoto "45" Single stereo amplifier A-08S

In my quest for lower watt vintage amps, it seems that the options are limited to vintage Dynatron LF59 and Brooks 10c. However, since these vintage amplifiers are so rare and limited in quantities, I have decided to search for low power tube amplifies, instead of only vintage amplifiers.

While browing through the web, I came across a very attractive modern low watts amplifier using vintage 45 tubes - the Yamamoto A08s! Looking at the review, One can truly appraciates much efforts have been put in the design and building of this very nice amplifier. Moreover, another unique selling proposition from the company is that everything is built "In house" in order to ensure top qualities are maintained!

I must say this is one of the best looking power amplifiers I have come across with its nice mixture of wood and steel design as well as its "Zen" minimalist approach!

With 2 watts power, I am curious to test it with my Western Electric 755a!

For details, please see:
http://www2.117.ne.jp/~y-s/A-08S-NEW-eng.html

For review of the Yamamoto "45" Single ended stereo amplifiers A-08s, please see:
http://www.6moons.com/audioreviews/yamamoto2/45.html

Feedback on Western Electric 755a

I was listening to the Western Electric 755a for a few days and I must say that the Mid especially for vocal is exceptionally good!

However, the CD recording standard played a great part too as when I inserted a low quality recording, the sound reproduction is exactly like a mirror image reflecting a low production of voice. The WE 755a, in my opinion, has a much natural and smoother vocal when compared to the LS3/5a.

Over the weekend, I have managed to audition a Japan made cabinet with Western Electric 755a drivers in Tak Fak 3rd floor and I must say the sound is good with great base. The cabinet is about 3 feet in height and looked very nice with a dark brown cabinet finishing. The owner has told me that he has 4 pairs of LS3/5a and ever since listening to the 755a, he intends to sell away 2 sets and keep 2 for reference as he listended to the 755a more than the other speakers now. Will update more when i have the time! Cheers

Brook 10C & Dynatron LF59

Upon my acquiring of the Western Electric 755a, I was told my some audiophiles that for highly sensitive speakers such as the 755a & even Tannoy Canterbury, one of the best amplifiers to drive them are the 10 watts Brook 10C using 2A3 tubes or the Dynatron ( less than 9 watts) amplifiers. However, the down side of the Dynatron amplifiers is that the PX vintage tubes are very rare and very costly..

I have not have the opportunity to see or hear the amplifiers and maybe I should just have an open mind and explore...

Hifi project downsizing

Following my acquisition of the Western Electric 755a full range speakers, I have come to realised that when one starts in the hifi journey, it is essential to have a very clear direction in order to avoid buying the "wrong" hifi equipments for the matching of speakers.

Perhaps, one should start with the speakers first (and determine what sound or music one likes) and then look for amplifiers that matches well with the speakers. From my recent listening, I have also realised that I listened to the Tannoy Canterbury (for Orchestra & multiple instrumental music) and uses the fullrange speakers for vocal and light instruments more. Since both the Tannoy and the WE755a are highly sensitive speakers, there is no requirements for high power amplifiers.

Moreover, with my decision of NOT wanting to COLLECT all the five KT66/6L6 amplifiers anymore (i.e WE124, Leak 12.1, MC240, Quad II, Radio craftsmen C500), I will began a series of downsizing.

I will most probably keep the following combination and downsize the rest:

• Leak 12.1 + Fisher400CX + Tannoy Canterbury (in HKG Living room)
• WE KS16608 + Marantz 7 + Western Electric 755a (in bedroom HKG)
• Rogers 15 ohms LS3/5a + Foundation stand (in Singapore)

With that in mind, I hope to down size the following to lovers of vintage amplifiers:

• Mcinstosh MC240 (near mint condition, with original box, papers,etc)
• Radio Craftsmen C500a (fully restored by professional, matched pair)
• Phass fullrange speakers (brand new and sounded very nice)

Anyone who is keen, can write to me at maxbliss888@yahoo.com.sg or maxbliss@netvigator.com

Once the process is complete, I am no longer a collector of vintage amplifiers and just someone who love music.. : ) Last night, my wife and son Keith came to visit me from Singapore. We have had a short session listening to the 755a and it was a great experience and a nice warm feeling : )

Western electric ad

Western Electric 755a fullrange speakers

Since there are so little information on the Western electric 755a speakers, I have decided to post more pictures for those who wants to know more about the speakers.

According to an expert JE Labs, This 8" full range driver has achieved "cult status" amongst audio aficionados. The most desirable version are the ones branded with the Western Electric logo with the frame in smooth silver or textured charcoal greyish brown finish. The mounting gasket always had 5 - 8 quality control stamps showing the tight tolerance procedures excercised in their manufacture. The later Altec branded 755As only had 1 or 2 stamps but essentially looked the same and came finished in either textured charcoal greyish brown or silver hammertone.

Aside from those quality control procedures and alnico magnet, what sets the 755A apart from the later 755C and 755E is the chemistry of the cone material. The procedure was very intensive, involving a "vacuum formed" process to produce a cone that contained silk and cotton components. This cone material is also found in original examples of WE/Altec 756A, 754A and 728B. Perhaps this is the reason why the 755A has that beguiling and lifelike midrange quality that eludes the later "pancake" versions.

For more details, please visit : http://members.myactv.net/~je245/755survey.htm

According to another expert Alan: " Western Electric 755A has three versions, the earliest period is zinc colour plating (as per the pictures enclosed), the later version with gray colour navy plating. Western Electric KS-14703 was the final period and produced by Altec at around 1950 - 1953. Altec 755A also has two versions, the early version started to produce in 1954 in 4 Ohm and later period at very late 50? - early 60 in 8 Ohm".

For those who are keen to find a pair, according to Alan: "The estimate price of Western Electric 755a is around HKD30,000.00 - 38,000.00 in Hong Kong and around YEN 550,000.00 - 650,000.00 in Japan (More expensive than a pair of 15" Tannoy red monitor). Altec 755A is around HKD14,000.00 - 18,000.00 depending on the condition and version. "

When buying the WE 755a, Alan has pointed out that: "the impedence matching and db matching is one of major problem when you selecting 755A. The Western Electric and early period Altec 755A is sold in mono, but not in stereo, In fact, +/- 10% impedeance of speaker is acceptable. If you looking for perfectly matching pair 755A than the price will be much higher.

I will listen to them for a while before I give my little comment on the WE755a!

Cheers

WE & Altec 755ace series speakers

After months of searching and hunting, I have finally managed to find a pair of early Western Electric 755a fullrange speakers in the Paino wood (Spruce wood) cabinets! Many has told me that it will be a mission impossible and one can only find it in Japan.

Initially, I have wanted to settle for a pair of Altec 755C and continue my search for the 755a. I have even bought a pair of original 8 inch Altec cabinets for the 755c ( as the 755c needs cabinet with ventilation). I have advertised in R33 seeking for 755a but not a single respond.

Finally, its a dream come true! Dream do come true for those believe!

According to Alan (an expert in WE amps) there are differences in the WE 755a vis-a-vis the Altec 755a speakers. For detail, please see below extract written by Alan..

WE755A was introduced by Western Electric in 1947. It is an 8 inches full range speaker with frequency range from 70 – 13,000 Hz with maximum capacity of 8 watt at 4 ohm in voice coil impendence. It only has very narrow angle distribution at 70 degrees (I believe this is reason of concentration on tone) and Western Electric suggests user to apply 2 cu ft closed speaker enclosure for this driver.

The Western Electric 755A is designed for PA and monitor purpose. The early version is in zinc plating at silver colour and the later period with gray navy painting. During late 40 – early 50’s, they were usually equipped on train, train station, business building, record studio and radio station as broadcasting monitor. During late 40’s, the major competitors of full range speaker on PA market included Altec 400A and Jensen P8P.

Honestly speaking, WE755A has much better construction than both models included special curve design of paper cone, large size U shaped Alnico magnet and much bigger voice coil construction…! Since the Western Electric sound equipment department was forced to close down by US Goverment in 1949, the production was passed on to Altec in 1950. The early period Western Electric KS-14073 was actually produced by Altec from 1950 – 1953, this version has silver colour painting also with same specs as 755A.

In 1954, Altec first introduced the Altec 755A to the market, the early version with glossy gray navy colour, but late period with brown navy colour. I believe the early period from 1954 – late 50’s should be in 8 Ohm and late period until early 60’s is 4 Ohm.

In very early 60’s, the Altec introduced Western Electric 755B with blue colour painting at 8 Ohm, but this model did not last long than it replaced by the Altec 755C “pancake” speaker in slightly later period of early 60’s with metallic green colour at 8 Ohm. If you look at the front, there is almost no different than 755A version, but if you look at the back than you can see this model no longer using Alnico magnet but replaced by flat ceramic magnet (Indox V) just look like a pancake.

Even Altec claimed 755C has better extension of both end from 40 – 15,000 HZ, but the guess dropped to 9,000 guess if compared to 755A above 10,000 guess. You can easily tell that the mid-range of 755C is not concentrated and transparent as 755A, the tone balance step down to be much thicker and lower bass than 755A but not as clear and open up as 755A…! Believe the angle distribution changed from 90 instead of 70 degree also affect the concentration as well…!

I would say that Altec 755C cannot be claimed as a full range speaker but it is a very good mid/mid-low range speaker in my limited understanding. The final version is Altec 755E introduced in 1968, it is very similar as 755C but the painting changed to white and gray, but also have different construction of wire connector. The sound characteristic of this model is very much the same as 755C, but the bass sound slightly solid and slightly upward than 755C and it still does not have clear and balancing tone as 755A

For those of you who are keen to know about the diferences in the 755 series speakers, please view another Western Electric expert web page:

http://members.myactv.net/~je245/755survey.htm
Please note the picture showing the Altec 755a,c, e speakers are not mine.. I have finally concluded my search for the hardwares and now is the time for the enjoyment of music! For those who are seraching for your dream set up, wishing you Good Luck! : )

Final item for the year - 755a speakers

There are 3 speakers which I have desired namely a large pair of speakers for the living room, i.e Tannoy Canterbury, a pair of 15 ohm Rogers LS3/5a as a music reference and a pair of full range speakers.

For the full range speakers, I have started with the small RCA and a pair of Telefunken with a DIY open baffle. It was my first 2 pair of full range speakers. I have sold my 6 inch RCA spakers as the 8 inch was the ideal size. I was immediately captured by the sound of the 8 inch full range speakers. However, my DIY speakers were so ugly that my wife objected to it straight away.

Later on, I have moved on to a pair of Cora Beta 8 inch high sensitive speakers which is so detail and clear that even the signal noise from my vintage amplifiers could be easily picked up by the Coral. The Coral will be a perfect match for a modern (& quiet) preamplifiers. As I am not willing to change my vintage pre-amlifiers speakers, I have decided to cut love to a friend who can appreciates it more then me. In addition, the huge speakers cabinets also took up too much space in my living room making it difficult to walk. As a result, I have also let go my Siemens amplifiers (as it was too big taking too much space as well).

I have always have in mind a pair of legendary Western Electric full range 755a. However, despite much searching, I have only managed to find a pair of Altec 755e (costs about HK$8000 with a pair of DIY cabinets) and 2 pair of 755c (one with DIY cabinets asking for HK$10,000, and the other without cabinet asking for HK$7800) in Hong Kong.

The recent transaction at ebay for a pair of Altec 755a was about US$1826+ US$100 shipping = HK$14500. However, the fear of buying from ebay is that there is always a risk of non matching pair as well as non arrival of items.

After much consideration, I have decided not to pursue my Western Electric 124 dream as the costs is way too high (HKG$110,000). In addition, I have been advised by many of my hifi friends that the maintainance of the We124 is and will be a constant issues as many of the components are too old!

In addition, for the Western Electric amplifiers, there is always a dilemma of whether to change the capacitors & resistors or not with the Western Electric amplifiers. To change the capacitors or resistors would affect the values and originality of the WE124. Not changing the capacitors on the other hand will affect the qaulity of sound reproduction. Moreover, the WE also needs its Western electric 350 tubes in order to have the pure and "true" Western Electric sound!

Given the various strings of "attachments" and limitations, I have decided that it is not worth the trouble and the investmen in the search for the WE124 as hifi is supposed to give "pleasure" and not "pressures". My recent constant visits to the Hifi master for repairs have tired my eagerness to pursue a vintage amplifiers that needs constant consultation to the hifi "doctor"

With that in mind, my search for a pair of Western Electric 755a speakers has began (as speakers are relatively maintainance free). With the clear direction in mind, I have made up my mind to go for the real Western Electric 755a and not the Altec 755a or 755c or 755e as this will be the last item for the year! Too tired to search and I want to spend more time listening and enjoying the music! Since I cannot find a Western Electric amplifiers, at least i could be compensated with an all original Western Electric speakers!

cheers : )

Two more items: WE124 & 755a

During these period, I have concentrated much efforts in trying to set up my ideal hifi system as well as trying to learn about vintage hifi.

In the process, I have met up with many fellow audiophiles, some good and some are very dissapointing.

Now, there are two more items which I have desired namely Western Electric 124 & 755a full range speakers to complement my current set up. I must say the hifi journey has been an interesting one despite some set back.. : )

Following which, I intend to stop my vintage amplifier search and go back to my vintage watch and fountain pen collections which is a more "peaceful" form of hobby as there will be less "sarcastics remarks" from people and less "red eye or white eye" treatments. In addition, the main challenges in collecting of vintage amplifiers system are the issue of maintainance and space.

With my current set up, I am quite contented with them as my original intention is not to collect for the sake of collection but to use them in the living room, and bedroom for the enjoyment of music. The process of refinement and streamlining has helped me fine tuned what I like and intend to keep.

Two more items seems to collect so little and easy but it also seems so far to reach..

Please see my small collection at watch & pen blog:

http://vintage-watch.blogspot.com/

http://vintagepen.blogspot.com/

Hifi for the bedroom

Space is always an issue in the bedroom. As such, for the bedroom system,I will have to find smaller size items in order to fit them in nicely while ensuring quality sound.

For the speakers set, I have brought in the Phass speakers with the EV35 tweeter (in a DIY wood holders) + Philips 634 player. The most difficult part is the amplifier system as they are too huge for the room. As I like KT66 and 6L6 amplifiers, there are very few vintage amp that is small. In the end, I have to find a new KT66/6L6 amplifier : Sound Master No 36 which is small enough to fit into my small bedroom. The Sound Master No36 is a Hong Kong made amplifier with auto bias for either KT66/6L6 or EL34 tubes. It also has a scoket with USB port for use with ipod.

Quite an enjoyable sound stage with this little set up!

Cabinets for 755c full range speakers

I was searching for the cabinet for the 755c full range speakers.

In Hong Kong there is one company who can custom made cabinet for 755 speakers using the Spruce wood but the cost is very high. Luckily, I have managed to find a pair of NOS metal cabinet for the 755 speakers and I am now eagerly waiting for the arrival of the speakers units to be fitted into the cabinets. What I like most is the size of the cabinet..nice and compact. Moreover, with the see through hole, the conecpet of the cabinets are similar to the open baffle concept. Like what the expert in JE LAbs says: "one cannot expect ultimate bass extension with an open baffle but the lack of cabinet colorations gives purity to the sound that many will find very appealing"

It will be used for listening of vocal!

For details on the various 755s speakers, please read:

http://members.myactv.net/~je245/755survey.htm

Cheers

Hi fi path

In my hifi journey, I have met many adiophiles along the way. Many of those I know are big time collectors of either vintage amplifiers or LS3/5a speakers.

For me, I change my gears very regularly. Why? I believe, one should only keep those that one like. Otherwise, we will need a large warehouse to store all the gears. Moreover, the unfortunate thing about hifi is that you will have to bring them home for continuos listening before you can tell whether you like it or not. Since I have just started the vintage hifi journey while many of my fellow audiophile have spent numerous years on it, I will have to move faster in order to set up my "dream set".

After much seraching, buying and then cutting love, I have realised that I like KT66 & 6L6tubes sound most. EL34 for me sounded too fast and a bit rough.EL84 tubes is very sweet but lacks the power and soundstage when played in the hall. As such, I have stramlined my other EL34, EL84 amps and keep only the few that I played everyday. Since I have limitaion on space and $$ plus I do not have the intention to rent an office to display the amplifers, I will have to follow strictly the "one in then one out policy" which I ahve promosed my wife. As I tended to get gear in very good condition, I have very little problem in selling them as like what they always say "good items are always in demand, and rubbish will always be rubbish".

I will rotate two amplifers per night, one using the Tannoy Canterbury and the other use the Phass fullrange speakers. I am hoping that the 755c and the WE124 will be my last pursuits but my friend has said that it is impossible....

PHASS Fullrange speakers

The past week has been a very hectic one as I have to travel overseas for work.

This evening, I finally managed to find some time to visit a "new" speaker cabinet makers near my office.

While waiting for the arrival of my 755C speaker units, I have decided to start searching for cabinet for the pair of 755c. Upon arrival to the shop, my attention immediately was captured by a pair of 4 inch full range alnico speakers in beautifully handcrafted Spruce wood (often called "piano" wood in Asia)! Even though the speakers is very small insize, the sound reproduction for Mid is excellent as well as has strong bass and high!

This pair of PHASS speakers units were made in Japan using Alnico magnets from South Africa while the speakers cabinet is made by a famous cabinet makers Feis audio in Hong Kong using the expensive wood that is used for the making of piano or violin. Spruce is the wood responsible for resonance and sound. Therefore it´s used in violin making for the tables with the sound-holes (ff-holes), bassbars, soundposts and reinforcements such as linings and blocks.

The size of the speakers are slightly smaller then the LS3/5a. I like the LS3/5a but I feel that we should open up our heart and mind and accept "new" product that is good. One example is the Chi Ping 3 1/2 inch full range speakers and another IMHO is this PHASS speakers. From the workmanship point of view, the cabinet is excellent and the sound is fantastic. It is espcially suitable for small bedroom or small areas. It is very user friendly as one could just placed it near the wall. The Chi Ping speakers sounded bright and open. The PHASS speakers having the Piano wood cabinet and bigger alnico magnet has the advantage of more refinement and depth.

The unit that I bought is the last prototype sample. Hopefully, the PHASS speakers could be massed produced soon so that more people could enjoy it!

While waiting for my 755C and my WE124, I will continue to listen to my Tannoy Cantebury and this PHASS speakers. Once the WE124 arrive, i will then bring one set of amplifiers, Pre amplifiers and speakers back to Singapore as it was really tough not having any system back home to listen..

Pye PF91

After much waiting, my vintage Pye PF91 finally came back home.

The sound of it is really wonderful. The Pye PF 91 is really a user friendly amps as it can be used for both 110v or 220v without the need for any step down transformer.

The master has carfully cleaned the amplifiers and changed a few leaky capacitors and kept most of the amplifiers as original as possible.

The Pye PF91 KT66 is a push pull amp, with the KT66s triode connected, so the amp gives about 12W (same as the Leak TL12.1). There is another Pye HF25 (blue in colour ) which is a KT66 push pull monoblock power amplifier made in 1950s which give 25W (similar to the Leak TL25a).

Vintage Electro Voice T35

While waiting for the arrival of the Pye PF91 KT66 amp, I have decided to play around with the vinatge Electro voice T35 high frequecies units.

Initially I have only intended to get some tubes but the owner of the vintage hifi shop Mr.Chen has strongly advised me to get this pair of 1950s alnico high frequecies speakers. The size of the magnet is huge (the diameter of the magnet is 6cm)

After attaching the Electro voice T35 to the Chi Ping speakers, the sound stage became wider . If one does a blind test, one would not suspect that the sound was from a 3 inch full range speakers at all! What an amazing change!

I have told Mr Chen that I should perhaps buy a cheap high frequecies tweeter but he was against the idea saying that it would be better off not having the cheap high frequencies tweeter at all as the improvement would not be there. He has told me the it is rare for such high frequecies tweeters as these have to be detached from a pair of working condition EV speakers.

The hifi journey is one of non stop discovery..Cheers

CD Player recoomendation:Bang & Olufsen CD player

I have just returned from a business trip from Taipei. During my business trip, I have managed to get a quad set of KT66, Quad set of 7027a (specially good for Mcintosh MC240) and quad set of GE 6L6WGB plus a pair of Electro Voice T35 high frequency units (for my Chi Peng full range speakers)

To match my current vintage system, I have recenty used a vintage Bang & Olufsen CD player. Even though it was produced in the 1980s, the look and feel of the Bang & Olufsen CD player looks very modern and the sound quality of it is perfect in fitting with the rest of my vinatge gears!

From the functional point of view, it has to use a step down transformer as it is in 117v. Other then that, the touch screen function gives the CD player a very high standard and modern feel. The costs of the B & O CD is smiliar to the Philips CD 100. I used to own the Philips 100 CD player. However, the Philips CD 100 tend to be "over heated" after long hours of play and one has to take care of the ventilation in order to ensure its longivity. Not wanting to be "stressed" up when using the CD player, I have decided to sell away the Philips CD players to a Hong Kong collectors who owns a large collection of various CD players.

I shall be collecting my vintage Pye PF91 tomorrow back from servicing and I will be posting more pictures soon! I will have to do it soon as I will be away for business trip again from Thursday onwards...

One more amplifier to complete the picture

Out of my 5 dream amplifiers, I have managed to find 4 namely

1. Leak 12.1,
2. Radio craftsmen C500a,
3. Mcintosh MC240 and
4. Quad II.
5. The serach for the WE 124 is now on...( temporary substituted by the model after WE124, the later model WE KS 16608)

Hopefully, I can complete the dream amplifiers picture before Christmas this year. While it is important to find the numbers, Quality in term of appearance is also an important factor to consider. There are so many good amplifiers out there but my personal view is that one should set an objective and path to follow as resource is limited but wants are not.

Quad II - 3rd time lucky

This is my 3rd pair of Quad II. The first was sold as the capacitors were replaced. The second sets were sold as I was having two sets of Leak 12.1 then. Today, I have managed to find a 3rd units of Leak 12.1 ,220v in its original condition.

I have known that my friend JK is in need for his 4th unit of Leak 12.1 in order to pair them up. Upon getting the single unit of 12.1, I immediatley called JK to see if he is keen to pair up his 12.1

In reciprocate my efforts in helping him to pair up his 12.1, he offered his lovely set of Quad II in exchange for the single unit. It was a true "win win" situation where we both were happy. I have been in my quest for my dream "top 5 6L6/KT66" amplifiers namely, Leak TL12.1, Radio craftsmen C500s, Mcintosh MC240, Quad II & the Western Electric 124.

With this acquisition of Quad II, my last amplifier to complete my dream is the Western Electric 124. Temporary, the Western Electric KS16608 is acting as a good subsititute until the main cast arrive. Dreaming of the WE124 again.. : )

email me at maxbliss@nevigator.com if you have any interesting hifi equipments to sell or exchange.

Hifi summary July 2006

July 2006, Hong Kong - This evening, I have taken out all my hifi sets for some simple cleaning. Every unit bring me some fond memories. The Tannoy speakers reminds me of the raining day during Valentine's night, The Mcintosh reminded me when I first came to Hong Kong in June 2005, The 12.1 reminded me of my quest for a pair of 12.1; the Marantz 7 reminded me of the night after my company D & D rushing to view the M7; while the WE 16608 reminds me of the streets in Singapore...

Every unit tells a story...

Rogers LS3/5a 15 ohms

I have realized that I have mentioned very little about the LS3/5a speakers. I used to own 4 pairs of LS3/5a...all of them are Rogers namely:

• - 15 ohms black badge
• - 15 ohms with white belly
• - Transitional model from 15 ohms to 11 ohms (pseudo 15 ohms)
• - 11 ohms

Initially, I have intended to collect all the LS3/5a, all brands and makes. However, after much A/B compariosn, I have realised that while there are some differences in the various LS3/5a, the differences are so little that it would be so insignificant to really create an impact.

The strength of the LS3/5a is in its reproduction of vocal and playing of solo instrument. However, it has its limitation as there is very little base and very little high ..only strong mid. When using the LS3/5a to reproduce Orchestra musics, it sounded "rush and messy".

With the limitation, I have decided to try out the larger speakers which can reproduce the Orchestra music better. One of the my first large speakers was a pair of Altec 604E 15 inch speakers. It will reproduce strong base and sounded great for rock and Orchestra music. However, it sounded too "metallic" for my preference which as prompted to change for a pair of Tannoy Chartsworth 12 inch gold monitor. I like the British sound much better. The 12 inch Tannoy has the combination of the sweetness of the LS3/5a mid plus having the extension of base as well as high. Immediately, I know that Tannoy is THE speakers that will satisfy most of my hifi needs. I was lucky enough to upgrade to a pair of Tannoy Canterbury with monitor Red which is my all time favourite. ( very relex sound)

Thus, the LS3/5a is a pair of very good speakers but is not without its limitation. Firstly, it needed very good speakers stand (such as the foundation designer stand) to bring out the best in its potential. Secondly, don't expect too much base or high when playiung with this little pair of speakers. Thirdly, the escalating prices of the LS3/5a has made the equation between price versus performance to an unaccetable level. A good pair of LS3/5a in 15 ohms is around HK$11,000 + $5000 (for a pair of Foundation stands) = HK$16,000. With these amount of money, one can buy a pair of Tannoy 12 inch monitor gold Lanchester or Chartsworth. In addition, there are so many "modified" or fake LS3/5a which make one nervous in buying one. Lastly, the LS3/5a needs bigger power amplifiers to push and / or sounded good with tube amplifiers.

Some think that the LS3/5a is "suitable for small home" as it will not take much space. However, the reality of it is that in order to bring out the sound from these speakers, one has to bring it out 2- 3 feet away from the wall. Thus, when one take into consideration the speakers and its stand, plus the need to be away from the wall by 2-3 feet, the LS3/5a actually requires a larget space then say a Tannoy or Altec who can be placed near the wall. Small in this sense is actually a myth..

In the end, I have sold off 3 pairs of the LS3/5a and keep only one pair for reference (plus the fact that I could free up some cash to get the larger speakers since resources are limited but wanst are unlimited).

The LS3/5a is the King for vocal reproduction. However, in order not to miss out on other music details, I would think that one would need 3 pairs of speakers namely one large speakers, one LS3/5a and a full range speakers in order to have the speakers to cater for all music. However, this is just my personal opinion. Music and hifi is so personal that it is like colours or food preference...it all depends on your needs....

If you can afford, having a wall of LS3/5a with all brands and all models is also a very lovely sight : )

I have a few close hifi friends who has their great wall of LS3/5a and they look lovely! Well, in Chinese they say: 知足常樂 meaning to be content is to be Happy, and we should always count our blessings!

For more information on the LS3/5a, please read:

http://www.hi-fiworld.co.uk/hfw/oldeworldehtml/rogersls35a.html

Price of Radio Craftsmen C500a

The suggested retail price of a Radio CraftsmenC500a in 1953 was US$99. Thus, to play it in stereo mode (those days mainly in mono mode), would have costs US$198 for a pair.

US$198 must be alot of money during the 1950s. The average wages in the 1950s were US$249. A pair of the Radio Craftsmen C500a would have costs almost a months salary of an average men!

6L6 / KT66 amplifiers

Following much listening and comparison, I have realized that I have a strong inclination for 6L6/Kt66 amplifiers. The EL34 tubes amplifiers has more force and power but it sounded a bit rough in my ears. The EL84 has very sweet sound but it lacks the power when needed.

Currently, my 6L6 / KT 66 amps consists of the the following:

1. Leak TL12.1 (KT66) - the BEst KT66 amplifiers so far!
2. Radio craftsmen C500a (KT66) - great work by the famous Sid Smith!
3. Pye PF91 (KT66) - another great British amp that is rare!
4. Western Electric KS16608 (6L6) - real value for money amp!
5. Mcintosh MC240 (6L6) - One of the best advant guarde design and good power without the harshness!

Very soon, some ( or many) of the above will dissappear like water vapour in the air : ( whern the WE 124 appears..

Others interesting amps using KT66 are:

• RCA (my friend called it Big Quad II)
• Quad II
• Pilotone 901 (i think)

Given the strong inclination towards the KT66 & 6L6 tubes amplifiers, I have decided to down size and let go my Siemens amplifiers using EL84 tubes. The Siemens are great amplifiers with great details. However, since I have no wish to "collect", I have decided to focus on playing with the KT66/6L6 tubes families. By doing so, it would help me to save up resources, $$, time and space to hunt for the WE124... My wife will killme if she knows how much the WE 124 is going to cost! he he he!

Klangfilm speakers wires

In my efforts to improve the quality of the sound from my current hifi system, I have replaced my ealier interconnect with the Artist made interconnect cables linking my Pre-Amp (1.8 Metres) to Amp & from CD to Pre Amp (1.5 metres)

For the speakers cables, I have used the Audio note silver cables and Western Electric cables. This afternoon, I have managed to get a pair of fully "burn in" 50 years old Klangfilm wires.

Similar to the Artist hifi interconnect, these wires were previously used in recording studios.

Great sound! I guess was due to the 50 years of continous usage as well as the purity of the copper!

Selling Marantz 7 & Mcintosh MC240 ?

In my desire and quest to find the Western Electric 124, I have decided to sell off my Marantz 7 & Mcintosh MC240. Both the items are in excellent conditions internally and externally.

Is this a right move?

Desire for Western Electric 124

After much consideration, I have set myself a simple goal of getting a pair of Western Electric 124 power amplifiers using the 6L6 tubes by end of 2006 (Christmas)

In order to do that, I will have to cut love and streamline quite a few of my current collections in order to generate enough cash.

Even though it is going to be a very difficult decision to make, I will have to let go the following step by step. The first to go will be the Siemens Smfv4 mono blocks, followed by the Mcintosh MC240 & Marantz 7. Upon getting the WE124, I will then let go the fully restored Western Electric KS16608.

With these exercise, I will be left with the Leak 12.1, Radio Craftsmen C500a and WE124 (hopefully) & Fishers 400CX preamplifier.

Pic of WE124 don't belong to me.... : (
What a dilemma......

Leal 12.1 & Radio Craftsmen C500a

Trying to understand my amplifiers better, I performed a A/B test between the 12.1 and the Radio Craftsmen C500a.

The similarity between the two is its sweet vocal
tone. the key differences are that the Leak TL12.1 has more open and wider and deeper soundstage. The Radio Craftsman 500a has a slightly narrower one but yet still managed to have fine details, and sweet tone.

Unless there is an immediate AB comparion, the differences may not be so clear. I would say that the Radio Craftsmen C500a sounded 90% close to the 12.1

When the 2 power amplifiers matched with the Marantz 7 and Fishers 400CX, it has different sound reproduction with the Marantz having more transparent and clear tone with emphasis on the mid; while the Fishers has a more muiscal tone and emphasis on the Mid and mid high!

The Radio Craftsmen was from the 1950s but its design (using the shining steel chassis) is so advant guarde that it is ahead of its times. It is a beauty to look at when listening. The Leak 12.1 , on the other hand, looks like a solid castle ..solid looking and under stated. The differences in looks clearly reflect the national charateristics between the American and the British!

Some facts from Alan on the RC:
RC500 has 10 watt output,
RC500A has 15 watts output and
RC550 has 30 watt output but operated in ultra-linear instead of triode
RC500 and RC500A was licence under Western Electric but RC550 was not..
RC500 and RC500A was designed by Sidney Smith, but RC550 was design by Bob Grodinski

From the "collector" point of view, the Radio craftmens is a good buy as it is relatively cheaper but rarer plus the fact that it is like a uncut diamonds waiting for further exploration by the audiophiles as it is currently only known to a few...

Key characteristics of amplifiers

According to my friend Alan, good quality hi-fi gear should have outstanding characteristic of sound and emotion.

• Leak TL12.1 has sweet, open, wide, clear and transparent tone but slightly thin in body.
• Quad II have warm, mellow and rich body of mid.
• McIntosh MC-240 has outstanding authority tone, big sound stage, rich of bass and thick body.
• Radio Craftsman 500 has fine details, clear and sweet tone, but slightly narrow in sound stage if compared to Leak TL12.1.
• Western Electric KS-16608 has outstanding mid range, natural, emotional, warm and smooth tone but slightly lack of extension at both ends
• Western Electric 124 - the selling point of WE124 is also not the details and extension of both end, but nature, pure and emotional tone in mid and mid-high range

True essence of hifi!

After many months of serching and upgrdating, I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to learn the true essence of hifi from fellow audiophiles.

According to an audiophile: "upgrade is not just our gear but our skill, knowledge, understanding of ourselves and understanding the emotion behind music. If the purpose of hi-fi is reproduce music (not just the sound), than the purpose of music is represent emotion of human".

How true! Many of us have gone through the path of buying an equiment, then upgrading , then selling and buying again...

The process of upgrading and changing has allowed us the opportunities to experience the different hifi characteristics and soul of the equipments. However, if not properly guided, the continuous search will be like chasing an illusive dream....

Thanks to my friend Alan for pointing the essence of hifi to me..

志平 3吋 Fullrange speakers

I have always been fascinated with the 志平3吋小喇叭全音域單元. The production of these speakers has ceased and the only way to get them now is via Artist hifi or through the web.

Having listened to the speakers at Artists hifi, I am deeply impressed by the finishing of the speakers, its nice curve workmanship as well as the repoduction of sound from the mere 3 inch full range speakers.

Having done some simple study, the reason for its wonderul sound was due to its Alnico magnet and "元發聲擴散之音箱邊緣用手工打磨成圓角，形成一種號角效應".

For me, another great attraction is its handmade (人手製造) feature. I have tried some DIY cabinet myself, and I know how difficult the process is and it will be totally impossible for me to achieve such nice finshing result.

In the end, I have finally bought one pair for my bedroom usage together with my Siemens amplifiers. These are certainly another value for money item even though many audiophiles might not find these their cup of tea.

I have done some AB testing between these and the LS3/5A. The sound from the 志平 is much open and bright while the LS3/5a is much more detailed and confined. Both sound nice in its own ways!

Branding in Hifi

There are many famous brands in Hifi such as the Western Electric, Leak, Marantz, Mcintosh, Fishers, Siemens, Tannoy, Rogers, etc. Many of these great names were gone as a result of the passage of time, changing consumer's taste, technology innovation replacement etc.

However, when one look at the brands and see why are they were so successful and so great, the key success factors can be listed down as the following:

1. Good product that were built to last - examples Leak 12.1; Mcintosh MC225,240,275; Marantz 1,7,9,10b, Fishers 50c, 80C, 400CX, 400CXII, Western Electric 86, 91, 124, 755; Tannoy GRF, York, Canterbury; Rogers LS3/5a etc

2. Good leadership quality and good chief engineer & good -較聲工作: Marantz, Sid Smith, Fisher, etc

3. Good distribution net work

4. Focus on brand building.

There are many talented Sifu in Asia especially in Hong Kong. However, their products could never reach the same level as that of the famous and legendary hifi as many were lacking in its brand building aspect of the business.

Very often, the positioning of the brand is not clearly defined and there is no clear brand strategy involved in their launch of the products. Many would opt for the easy way of buying advertising space as well as advertorial space thinking that these are "marketing" and these actions constitutes brand building.....which of course is over simplifying and is not the case.

It will be naive to think that by having a superior products will naturally led to great sales and the building of brand. Very often, these Sifus would focus their energy on the products and missed out the other elements of marketing mix such as positioning, pricing, placement and promotion.

Being a hifi lovers as well as markerteer, I was so tempted to want help some of the local Sifu in launching their products properly. The success of any big brand requires vision! It also require a team of dedicated professional in order to help create the correct brand vision and positioning and targeting at the right group of consumers.

Hopefully, one of these days, the Asian audiophiles and sifu could look beyong their capablities and learnt to look for profeesional help in their launch of products ......that is if they seriously want to compete Globally and not locally.

They must have the desire to be and dream BIG like the Marantz, Mcintosh, Western Electric, Fisher in the past or like the modern days Audionote..

Otherwise, they would continue to be a "big" fish in a very, very small pond...

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

In the hifi arena, you can see categories of hifi people. I have met the Good, i.e people who are willing to share their knowledge, share their hobby and passion as well as provide help in many ways. My hifi friend John Keong, KY belong to the first Good group.

In addition, there are the Bad who oftens criticise and impose their views onto other. In addition, they tend to be overly dominating and they have the characteristics of wanting to win all the time, and always think they are right. In addition, they are those bad sifu who uses their "magic hand" to change the original componenets when they were paid to service their clients hifi. They often "worshipped" certain sifu in order to gain recognition for the restoration works.

The 3rd categopry refers to the Ugly, people who tends to have a severe sense of jeolousy of others & their equipments. In addition, when the have failed to get a hifi equipment either in ebay or other places, they will also have the "sour grape" approach of criticising the item which they have failed to get.

In the end, many tend to forget that Hifi is a hobby and the various hifi equipments are to reproduce the music for enjoyment and it is not a world cup soccer event where there is the element of winning or losing.

Let's enjoy muisc and our hifi!

Wild Wild Western Electric 124 dream

The desire to own a pair of WE124 has grown so rapidly that I was so tempted to sell away my MC240,Radio Craftsmen, WE KS16608, Siemens SmfV4b, Fisher 400CX in order to liquidate some cash to buy the WE124!

If that process happens, I will only be left with the 12.1, Marantz 7, Tannoy Canterbury and the WE124. Is this a wise move?I don't know?

One thing is for sure, it will be very difficult to find back a near mint condition MC240 (with all box and guarantee cards, test reports, etc) plus a pair of fully restored Radio Craftsmen C500a, nice Fisher 400CX with original wooden box and the rest in such nice conditions....

A real dilemma when cash is limited and wants are unlimited!

Fishers mono block pre-amplifiers

I used to own a pair of Fishers 80C mono blocks pre amplifiers. As I was new to the vintage gears at that time, I could not handle the volume channels management. Following which, I have switched to the Fisher 400CX and Marantz 7 which are more user friendly.

Lately, the thoughts of looking for a pair of monoblock Fisher preamplifiers came back and I am tempted to start the new process of using a mono block pre-amplifiers in addition to the single units. One of the model that came to my mind is the Fishers 50C pre-amplifers. Need to do some research on these now...Can I handle the mono block pre-amplifiers versus the user friendly Fisher 400CX and Marant 7?